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Essendon tie up deal for Western Bulldogs star Brownlow medallist

Western Bulldogs midfielder Adam Cooney has joined Essendon in return for pick no.37

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Adam Cooney has joined Essendon after the Western Bulldogs agreed to trade the Brownlow medallist on Thursday.

The deal was completed in the final hours of the AFL trade period, and could only be done after Essendon finalised drawn-out negotiations with Port Adelaide over the trade of ruckman Paddy Ryder.

Essendon will hand the Bulldogs pick no.37 in return for Cooney, who will depart Whitten Oval after 219 games and 11 seasons.

The Bombers reportedly pipped North Melbourne during negotiations after the Kangaroos offered Kieran Harper and a swap of its pick no.36 for the Bulldogs’ no.45.

Cooney told the Bulldogs he was open to a trade after his relationship with coach Brendan McCartney deteriorated in 2014.

Despite McCartney’s departure from the club, Cooney decided he wanted a fresh start at a rival club.

The 29-year-old was the no.1 pick in the 2003 national draft and won the Brownlow Medal in 2008.

He has battled knee injuries ever since the 2008 season, however radical treatment in Germany in 2012 saw a return to form in 2013 where he finished seventh in the Bulldogs best and fairest.

Cooney’s form was not as consistent in 2014, however he still managed an average of 20 possessions in 18 games.